atelier 13 audio
Wattson Digital Line
DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN SWITZERLAND
Wattson Madison Streamer/DAC
$ 3,500
Product Highlights
An Emotional Instrument of Precision
The Madison is a true concentrate of technology dedicated to music reproduction. Built in the spirit of Swiss watchmaking, its casing takes up the line of the Emerson and hosts a streamer/DAC designed in the pure tradition of High-End devices.
With no unnecessary features, no compromise on quality and the ease of use that contributed to the reputation of Wattson Audio products, the Madison invites you to spend many hours in its musical world.
Madison always within Reach
In addition to the multi-function front panel button, the Wattson Music app for IOS and the Wattson Remote app for Android handle all the settings on your Madison, from the bass EQ to the various interactions with the volume of the device.
You'll also find the entire Hi-Res catalog of TIDAL and Qobuz services, as well as the many radio stations offered by Airable in the Wattson Music app.
Complex and Versatile
The Madison's on-board digital signal processor is extremely advanced, featuring our new proprietary oversampling algorithm.
From LEEDH Processing digital volume control, to calculation of low-frequency correction filters and DSD to PCM conversion, this DSP is a key element in the design and operation of the Madison.
Inside the Technology
The apparent simplicity of our streamers actually hides a complexity and a finesse far greater than it seems. From the choice of the internal components to the embedded software and circuit topologies, each step of the development process has been essential to enhance the listening experience.
Concept
Two different strategies have been used in our range of streamers.
The philosophy implemented in the Emerson is that of the straight wire: no sampling frequency conversion or data processing is applied, apart from volume control when used. The flow of data from the network interface is transmitted directly to the S/PDIF and AES/EBU modulators of the Emerson DIGITAL, or respectively to the digital-to-analog conversion chip in the case of the Emerson ANALOG. When properly implemented, this solution guarantees a transparent and coloration-free reproduciton.
The Madison features a more complex architecture as it incorporates a signal processing unit (DSP) that hosts our proprietary oversampling process for optimizing input signals. This new interpolation algorithm benefits from the heritage of the iconic modules developed by Anagram Technologies. It significantly improves the digital-to-analogue conversion process in the time domain, without modifying the samples of the incoming data stream.
Network Interface
The Madison, as well as both Emerson models leverage Engineered's streaming engine, a proprietary solution based on a Sitara processor from Texas Instruments.
The embedded software, which handles the various network communication protocols and audio stream decoding, has been under continuous development for many years. Internal processes have been optimized to ensure audio data integrity, transmission reliability, support for Hi-Res file formats (PCM and DSD) without transcoding, and a smooth and responsive user experience at the same time.
Clocks
Two clock generators are used alternately, depending on whether the track being played back is sampled at a base frequency of 44.1kHz or 48kHz (as well as any multiples thereof). Our streamers do not include a variable oscillator or a synchronization loop. The stream of audio data is therefore directly cadenced by the active clock.
Additionally, the selected oscillators offer superlative performances, with extremely low phase noise in the audible bandwidth. The distribution of the clock signals has been carefully designed to minimize jitter throughout the digital audio signal path.
DAC and Output Stages
Each channel of the Madison has its own separately powered, dual-differential digital-to-analog conversion chip. We chose the same Cirrus Logic DAC used in the Emerson ANALOG. The analogue filters are differential and calculated to minimise phase rotation while providing optimum attenuation of residual DAC switching noise.
The output stages, based on the latest generation of operational amplifiers, are fully balanced and differential to achieve identical performance at both RCA and XLR outputs.
Power Supply
The quality of the power supply for sensitive electronic circuits is a decisive factor for a device of this type. Once again, a close attention has been paid to the selection of the components and topologies. The choice of using an external adapter offers the advantage of keeping the mains voltage away from the core of the device. The DC voltage supplied by the external power adapter is smoothed by a series of common and differential mode filters and then delivered to the various components of the electronic board. Each critical section of the circuits benefits from a dedicated filtering and voltage regulator to avoid undesirable interactions. In the case of the Madison, no less than 15 low-noise voltage regulators ensure optimal operation of each critical section.
Finally, the power supplies for the clock generators, the synchronization circuits and the analog section are particularly well performing, with an extremely low electrical noise, less than 1µV RMS (measured in a frequency bandwidth from 10Hz to 100kHz).
Technical Specifications
Key features
-
Proprietary streaming solution by engineered SA, bit perfect and asynchronous
-
Support for PCM and DSD high-definition formats
-
New up-sampling process with time-domain optimization, legacy of the famous Anagram Technology up-samplers
-
Lossless LEEDH Processing volume control for direct connection to power amplifiers
-
Adjustable bass response to compensate for speaker placement near walls
-
Ultra-low phase noise oscillators
-
One D/A converter chip per channel in dual differential mode
-
Full-symmetric analogue output stages
-
Very low-noise power supply circuits
-
CNC-machined out of a solid aluminium block
-
Design, manufacturing and assembling entirely made in Switzerland
Connectivity
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Network input: 100Mbit/s Ethernet
-
Digital inputs: 1x S/PDIF on RCA connector, PCM and 1x S/PDIF on TOSLink
-
Analog outputs: 1x unbalanced on RCA connectors and 1x balanced on XLR
-
Headphone output: 6.35mm Jack connector
Restitution
-
Supported compression formats: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA
-
Control protocols: UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay compatibility, Roon Ready
-
Streaming services brought by the Wattson Music app: TIDAL¹, Qobuz², airable radios
Performance
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Network streaming resolution: PCM up to 32-bit 384kHz, DSD up to 256x (11,2896MHz)
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S/PDIF input resolution: PCM up to 24-bit 192kHz
-
RCA output level (0dB FS): 2,1V RMS
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XLR output level (0dB FS): 4,2V RMS
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Signal-to-noise, weighted (SNR-A): typ. 124dB
-
Harmonic distortion (THD+N, 0dB FS): typ. 0,001%
-
Headphone output: 2x 150mW on 32 ohms, 2x 50mW on 150 ohms, 2x 10mW on 600 ohms
Mechanical and electrical characteristics
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Dimensions (W x D x H): 6,9 x 7,3 x 1,9in (174 x 185 x 47mm)
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Weight: 2,31lb (1050g)
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Power supply: 5V DC, external, medical grade
-
Power consumption: 50mW (idle), 4,5 W (playing)
What they say ...
The Madison is a form of Zen reductionism to attain high-class simplicity. Good thing then that Madison is here now, destined to be around and quite the charmer to boot!
"For the new Madison streamer, we have put all our know-how towards seeking the intensity of the analog restitution and to find the emotion of the musical message beyond technical considerations. In use, the Madison must transmit the pleasure of listening to very high fidelity with optimal ergonomics. The on-board digital signal processor is extremely advanced, featuring our new proprietary oversampling algorithm. From Leedh Processing digital volume control to the calculation of low-frequency correction filters and DSD=+PCM conversion, this DSP is a key element in the design and operation of the Madison.”
Srajan Ebaen
6 Moons / August 2022
Swiss brand Wattson Audio’s flagship streamer is small, beautifully formed and sounds sublime.
"There’s more than a hint of iron fist in velvet glove at work beneath its dappled grey aluminum casework and it’s rewarding with all types of music.
The beautifully designed and built Madison is much closer to an end-game streaming proposition with a stunning on-board DAC section that delivers consistently top-drawer sonics"
David Vivian
HiFi Choice / March 2023
Wattson Emerson Digital
$ 1,750
Wattson Emerson Analog
$ 1,750
A Discrete and Compact two Model Series
Emerson ANALOG
Its integrated digital-to-analog converter connects to any kind system equipped with standard analog audio inputs.
Emerson ANALOG is a simple and elegant way of connecting active loudspeakers to a network.
Technology, precision & know-how
The original format of the digital Hi-Res music tracks provided by streaming services must be maintained.
With this in mind, we perform no alterations or conversions in order to fully respect data integrity. The streamed music is fully "bit-perfect" all the way through.
We have added extremely precise clocks which ensure perfect timing of data flow, "jitter-free" from the network playback through to the output signals.
Emerson DIGITAL
Its AES/EBU and S/PDIF outputs allow a connection to any system equipped with digital audio input.
The Emerson DIGITAL model becomes the ideal companion to a High-End digital-to-analog converter that does not have a network connection.
Technology, precision & quality
The original format of the digital Hi-Res music tracks provided by streaming services must be maintained.
With this in mind, we perform no alterations or conversions in order to fully respect data integrity. The streamed music is fully "bit-perfect" all the way through.
We have added extremely precise clocks which ensure perfect timing of data flow, "jitter-free" from the network playback through to the output signals.
Emerson Series Product Highlights
Emotional Instruments of Precision
With no unnecessary features, no compromise on quality and the ease of use that contributed to the reputation of Wattson Audio products, the Emerson Series invites you to spend many hours in its musical world.
Emerson DIGITAL always within Reach
In addition to the multi-function front panel button, the Wattson Music app for IOS and the Wattson Remote app for Android handle all the settings on your Emerson DIGITAL, from the bass EQ to the various interactions with the volume of the device.
You'll also find the entire Hi-Res catalog of TIDAL and Qobuz services, as well as the many radio stations offered by Airable in the Wattson Music app.
Complex and Versatile
The Wattson on-board digital signal processors are extremely advanced, featuring our new proprietary oversampling algorithm.
From LEEDH Processing digital volume control, to calculation of low-frequency correction filters and DSD to PCM conversion, this DSP is a key element in the design and operation of the Madison.
Inside the Technology
The apparent simplicity of our streamers actually hides a complexity and a finesse far greater than it seems. From the choice of the internal components to the embedded software and circuit topologies, each step of the development process has been essential to enhance the listening experience.
Concept
The philosophy implemented in the Emerson DIGITAL is that of the straight wire: no sampling frequency conversion or data processing is applied, apart from volume control when used. The flow of data from the network interface is transmitted directly to the S/PDIF and AES/EBU modulators of the Emerson DIGITAL, or respectively to the digital-to-analog conversion chip in the case of the Emerson ANALOG. When properly implemented, this solution guarantees a transparent and coloration-free reproduciton.
Network Interface
The Madison, as well as both Emerson models leverage Engineered's streaming engine, a proprietary solution based on a Sitara processor from Texas Instruments.
The embedded software, which handles the various network communication protocols and audio stream decoding, has been under continuous development for many years. Internal processes have been optimized to ensure audio data integrity, transmission reliability, support for Hi-Res file formats (PCM and DSD) without transcoding, and a smooth and responsive user experience at the same time.
Clocks
Two clock generators are used alternately, depending on whether the track being played back is sampled at a base frequency of 44.1kHz or 48kHz (as well as any multiples thereof). Our streamers do not include a variable oscillator or a synchronization loop. The stream of audio data is therefore directly cadenced by the active clock.
Additionally, the selected oscillators offer superlative performances, with extremely low phase noise in the audible bandwidth. The distribution of the clock signals has been carefully designed to minimize jitter throughout the digital audio signal path.
Output Stages & DAC
The Emerson DIGITAL uses two separate modulators for the S/PDIF output and the AES/EBU output.
This is the only way to meet the specifications of both standards without having to make compromises.
High-speed output stages, synchronized by the main clock to avoid jitter, and two wide-band RF transformers ensure independent isolated outputs and a perfect rejection of common mode problems for superior performances.
For the Emerson ANALOG, a DAC from Cirrus Logic was chosen. This is a well-proven integrated circuit capable of impressive playback quality when optimally implemented. Its power supply, output stages topology and filter circuits required a lot of adjustments, measurements and listening before validating the final solution in accordance with the product philosophy
Power Supply
The quality of the power supply for sensitive electronic circuits is a decisive factor for a device of this type. Once again, a close attention has been paid to the selection of the components and topologies. The choice of using an external adapter offers the advantage of keeping the mains voltage away from the core of the device. The DC voltage supplied by the external power adapter is smoothed by a series of common and differential mode filters and then delivered to the various components of the electronic board. Each critical section of the circuits benefits from a dedicated filtering and voltage regulator to avoid undesirable interactions.
Finally, the power supplies for the clock generators, the synchronization circuits and the analog section are particularly well performing, with an extremely low electrical noise, less than 1µV RMS (measured in a frequency bandwidth from 10Hz to 100kHz).
Emerson Series Technical Specifications
Emerson DIGITAL
Key features
-
Proprietary streaming solution by engineered SA
-
Lossless LEEDH Processing volume control
-
Innovative and highly performing clock circuit and synchronization system
-
Ultra-low phase noise oscillators, < -135dBc/SQ(Hz) at 100Hz and < 50fs RMS jitter
Connectivity
-
Network input : Ethernet 100 Mbit/s
-
Outputs : 1x S/PDIF on RCA connector and 1x AES/EBU on XLR connector
Restitution
-
Supported compression formats: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA
-
PCM up to 24-bit 192kHz
-
Control protocols: UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay compatibility, Roon Ready
-
Streaming services brought by the Wattson Music app:TIDAL¹, Qobuz², airable radios
Performance
-
S/PDIF output: 75 ohms, with isolation transformer
-
AES/EBU output: 110 ohms, with isolation transformer
-
Very low noise power supply (< 1µV RMS 10Hz-100kHz)
Mechanical and electrical characteristics
-
Dimensions (W x D x H): 4,1 x 3,4 x 1,5in (104 x 87 x 38mm)
-
Weight: 0,82lb (371g)
-
Power supply: 5V DC, external, medical grade
-
Power consumption: 1,5W (idle), 2,5W (playing)
-
CNC-machined out of a solid aluminum block
-
Design, manufacturing and assembling entirely made in Switzerland
Emerson ANALOG
Key features
-
Innovative and highly performing clock circuit and synchronization system
-
Ultra-low phase noise oscillators, < -135dBc/SQ(Hz) at 100Hz and < 50fs RMS jitter
Connectivity
-
Network input: Ethernet 100 Mbit/s
-
Outputs: RCA connectors
Restitution
-
Supported compression formats: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA
-
PCM up to 24-bit 384kHz, DSD64
-
Control protocols: UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay compatibility, Roon Ready
-
Streaming services brought by the Wattson Music app:TIDAL, Qobuz, Airable radios
Performance
-
Output level (0dB FS): 2,0V RMS
-
Signal-to-noise, weighted (SNR-A): typ. 124dB
-
Harmonic distortion (THD+N, 0dB FS): typ. 0,001%
-
Very low noise power supply (< 1µV RMS 10Hz-100kHz)
Mechanical and electrical characteristics
-
Dimensions (W x D x H): 4,1 x 3,4 x 1,5in (104 x 87 x 38mm)
-
Weight: 0,85lb (387g)
-
Power supply: 5V DC, external, medical grade
-
Power consumption: 1,5W (idle), 2,5W (playing)
What they say ...
This Swiss "toddler" can create an atmosphere specific to a given album and draw the listener into it completely.
"Reverberation, openness, air, the ability to deliver quick attacks - but also their length - Like on previous discs, the ANALOG combined all these elements into an exceptionally coherent, natural-sounding, highly energetic whole, the nature of which made me listen to music, not analyze the sound. Music, regardless of the genre, was presented in an exceptionally engaging and euphonic way.
When listening to music with the Emerson ANALOG, one forgets about file formats and resolutions, or even the fact that the music is played from them.
All that matters is the music, presented in a very analogue, smooth and coherent form, encouraging hours of listening to well-known discs, but also discovering new ones thanks to streaming services."
Mark Dyba
HiFi Class / February 2023
Emerson ANALOG :
The Purist Perfectionist !
"The midrange is rich and expressive, the bass fascinating, and the high frequencies silky smooth. It is rare to find all these qualities in one device, even among high-end devices.
Furthermore, the realistic three-dimensional effect and the total absence of background noise prove the distortion-free sound of the Wattson Audio ANALOG.
The bottom line is that the ANALOG is less intended as an incorruptibly neutral, analytical digital source for sound engineers - but a very hot tip for pleasure listeners. Cheers ! ”
Fritz Schwertfeger
Fairaudio / October 2022
The Emerson DIGITAL ... small, black, pure
"According to Wattson Audio, bit-perfect, jitter-minimized transmission is the first requirement for a perfect-sounding streamer. The incoming data stream is generated by one of the two low-noise, precision clocks, each responsible for the 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate-families – clocked with the lowest jitter values of under an incredible 50 femtoseconds. The entire signal processing process up to the outputs is free of any further processing - with the exception of the digital volume control (which can be switched off).
The internal software is not off the peg either, but a proprietary product developed over many years : the clocks of the Emerson Digital, and notably the music signal clock is completely autonomous, or independent of, the digital source.
Despite its slightly sonorous sound, the DIGITAL is on the move in a subtle way. Above all, as a listener, you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. On the one hand because of his beautiful tonal corporeality, on the other hand because the DIGITAL is a model student in terms of localization of sharpness and plasticity, and it thereby 'virtualizes' a stage facing forward in the direction of the listener.
The Swiss precision of this Wattson-Streaming-Bridge is not expressed in selectively dissecting sharpness, but in the fact that, aesthetically, layer after layer is plastically built up ... and this promotes this very special organic impression ... one that is a special treat for analogue lovers"
Fritz Schwertfeger
Fairaudio / December 2021
The Emerson DIGITAL, sensationally small
"It is evident after only a few minutes of listening that Wattson has a good understanding of the digital signal flow through the unit, resulting not only in a good and engaging musical experience, but also a superb high-resolution graphic with excellent focus on particular voices and instruments at the front of the soundstage.
The listening is effortless and it plays with a relaxing analogue character that can only be experienced on really good equipment. There are very few affordable devices that have the same absence of noise.
The DIGITAL handles all types of music with the same stability and insight, and is just as convincing with smaller acoustic jazz ensembles as it is with large orchestral music. Whatever you play, the result is clean and controlled, and the music has the same effortless, smooth and open sound quality. This requires that you have a proper digital converter (DAC), but whatever you choose in the affordable price range, you can be sure that it it is not this streamer that is the limiting factor"
Håvard Holmedal
Stereo+ / February 2022
DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN SWITZERLAND